Defending FEASSSA champions Amus College School were sent crashing out of the USSSA Boys Football Championship in a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Green Light Islamic Secondary School, marking one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far.
Following a goalless stalemate in regulation time to the Nasana based side, Amus College faltered from the spot, losing 4-3 in the shootout.
It was a bitter end for a side that had dominated the regional and national scene over the past year with expectations high for another deep run. Instead, they depart early, going onto stunned their fans alike.
However, the other upsets on the day saw both Standard High Schools get knocked out at the round of 32, Zana Campus losing 3-2 in Penalties and Ndejje falling 2-0 to Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga.
In stark contrast, seasoned giants St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende (SMASK), Buddo SS and Kibuli SS all sailed into the Round of 16 with commanding performances that reinforced their status as title favourites.
SMASK, record holders of the USSSA crown, displayed their typical combination of tactical discipline and clinical finishing to dispatch Bishop Comboni College Kambuga 3-0.
With a rich squad depth and a winning culture, they remain on course to reclaim the title they last lifted in 2023.
Buddo SS, perennial title contenders, brushed aside Bugisu High School who had already suffered at the hands of SMASK in the group stage with an assured 3-0 victory. Their high-press system and precise passing proved too much for the eastern region side.
Kibuli SS, known for their attacking flair, overwhelmed Buziga Islamic Theological College 4-1 in a one-sided encounter with their frontline firing on all cylinders at a crucial stage of the tournament.
But while some marched on comfortably, others endured nerve-wracking finishes. Bukedea Comprehensive School, buoyed by star forward Simon Wanyama, barely edged out Mvara SS 5-4 on spot kicks.
St Julian High School also prevailed in a shootout, dispatching tournament hosts Ngora High School 3-1 in front of a passionate local crowd.
Meanwhile, Wisdom High School Akalo issued a statement of intent by thrashing Lagwai Seed SS 4-0.
Progressing to the Round of 16 were:
- Blessed Sacrament Kimanya
- Buddo SS
- St Julian H/S
- Mentor SS
- Kyadondo SS
- Kicwamba H/S
- Jinja Comprehensive School
- Bukedea Comprehensive School
- St Mary’s School Kitende
- Wisdom H/S Akao
- Masaka SS
- Kibuli SS
- St Lawrence H/S Crown City
- GreenLight Islamic SS
- Jinja Progressive Academy
- Uganda Martyrs H/S – Lubaga
As the tournament now enters its knockout climax, the elimination of high-profile teams like Amus College signals a shift in the winds. The Round of 16 promises fierce contests like;
- St Julian Vs Jinja Progressive
- Kyadondo Vs Kicwamba
- Mentor SS Vs Jinja Comprehensive
- Kawempe Muslim Vs Bukedea Comprehensive
- St Mary’s School – Kitende Vs Blessed Sacrament
- Buddo SS Vs Wisdom H/S
- Masaka SS Vs Kibuli SS
- Uganda Martyrs Vs GreenLight Islamic SS
